Upgrading my Video Card

[wjsprowler]

Hello community,

I recently purchased an HP Pavilion p7-1067cb (http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2388516,00.asp?tab=Specs) from Costco, and it only comes with a 250W PSU, AMD Radeon HD 6450 graphics card, and Intel Core i5-2400S Processor 2.5 GHz. I love everything about the computer except the graphics card (processor could be a little nicer too but oh well). I was wondering if it would be possible to fit a nice one in there that would be able to handle newer games like Crysis on good settings. I'm looking to spend $200-$300 on the card and PSU for this upgrade. Does anyone have any recommendations? It's kind of a smaller tower so I need to know if it can fit and be compatible with everything that's in there. Thanks a bunch!

Much Love,

Will

 

[kcducttaper]

I've heard good things about the nVidia GTX 560 series. This one is $200 after a rebate and and good PSU to push it shouldn't cost any more than $75.

Most cards that can push Crysis at a decent level will be kinda large though.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814500210

 

[wjsprowler]

I've heard good things about the nVidia GTX 560 series. This one is $200 after a rebate and and good PSU to push it shouldn't cost any more than $75.

Most cards that can push Crysis at a decent level will be kinda large though.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814500210

Thanks for the post. Are there any compatibility issues with my current computer? Also how many watts would the PSU need to be to be able to power such a video card?

Does anyone else have any suggestions?

 

[powercroat783]

WOAH YES COMPATABILITY ISSUES

the link to the GPU that kcducttaper says itself under details that the GPU requires AT LEAST a 400 watt Power supply. If there is only a 250 Watt in there, I am afraid that there are not too many GPUS out there that I can really consider are an actual upgrade.

Also when it comes to OEM computers, often they will simply just not let you upgrade them at all. The computer detects a change and it refuses to BOOT upon detection in POST. you have to be really careful about that.

Unfortunately, I would have to say your PSU is being stressed out to begin with under those system specs. If you get a new PSU as well, that would definitely put a hole in your pocket, as I would have to recommend AT LEAST a 500 Watt, and hopefully a 650 Watt in reality for a better GPU card. That will definitely take a Stab into your budget.

And even then like I said, OEM computers and motherboards can get very picky. I hate to ask this question and I mean no insult, but if you look on the motherboard can you identify an open PCI-E slot?

 

[Outlander_04]

Most people are getting really good 1080p gaming with either an nVidia 560ti or a Radeon 6950 .

The 6950 uses less power , and will probably be easier to set up. If you use the nVidia card you will need to remove all traces of the radeon driver and software already installed in your computer

XFX HD-695X-ZNFC Radeon HD 6950 1GB $210 [ after rebate ]
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150523

Antec TruePower New TP-550 550W $90
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371020

The power supply is a quality unit , and has modular cables you can unplug and leave out of the case reducing clutter , and improving air flow

PS . You shouldnt have any problems from just replacing the power supply and/or graphics card .

 

[wjsprowler]

Most people are getting really good 1080p gaming with either an nVidia 560ti or a Radeon 6950 .

The 6950 uses less power , and will probably be easier to set up. If you use the nVidia card you will need to remove all traces of the radeon driver and software already installed in your computer

XFX HD-695X-ZNFC Radeon HD 6950 1GB $210 [ after rebate ]
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150523

Antec TruePower New TP-550 550W $90
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371020

The power supply is a quality unit , and has modular cables you can unplug and leave out of the case reducing clutter , and improving air flow

PS . You shouldnt have any problems from just replacing the power supply and/or graphics card .

That radeon HD one sounds like something more up my alley. Fits exactly my price range and from youtube videos it seems to have great performance for the games I'm gonna be interested in playing. Will 550W for sure be enough to power everything?

And powercroat thanks for the reply as well. Of course, if something doesn't work right I can always just return the product, right? In case the computer just doesn't accept any of the new things I put in. Hopefully that won't be the case.

 

[Outlander_04]

That radeon HD one sounds like something more up my alley. Fits exactly my price range and from youtube videos it seems to have great performance for the games I'm gonna be interested in playing. Will 550W for sure be enough to power everything?

And powercroat thanks for the reply as well. Of course, if something doesn't work right I can always just return the product, right? In case the computer just doesn't accept any of the new things I put in. Hopefully that won't be the case.

A i5 2400/ 6950 system is likely to draw around 260 - 280 watts at full load . A 550 watt quality unit is ideal for this level of draw .

Here is what AMD recommend
http://www.amd.com/us/products/desktop/graphics/amd-radeon-hd-6000/hd-6950/Pages/amd-radeon-hd-6950-overview.aspx#3

 

[wjsprowler]

Best answer selected by wjsprowler.

 

[wjsprowler]

A i5 2400/ 6950 system is likely to draw around 260 - 280 watts at full load . A 550 watt quality unit is ideal for this level of draw .

Here is what AMD recommend
http://www.amd.com/us/products/desktop/graphics/amd-radeon-hd-6000/hd-6950/Pages/amd-radeon-hd-6950-overview.aspx#3

Thanks a lot. I really appreciate it. Selected as best answer